Five-finger breathing

A calming tool for self-regulation

When your child is flooded with emotion, what's the first thing you try?

A hug is a great place to start, but sometimes she doesn't want to be held.

And words don't work, especially if you are the cause of her sorrow.

When that happens, try this. It works because as your child watches you wordlessly demonstrate, her breathing falls into line with yours, slowing down as does her heart.